Official: Barcelona starting XI against SL Benfica | UCL | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are set to kick off their game against SL Benfica soon in the UEFA Champions League. A massive fixture for both teams, one that has a rather storied background on the European stage, both teams will be looking to come out on top. For Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, however, it is also a chance to bounce back.

After a frustrating draw against Getafe in La Liga, this is Barça’s chance to aim for victory again and get some much-needed momentum on their side. However, to ensure that, Hansi Flick has decided to field a strong lineup for this game as Barcelona looks for three more points in the UCL.

Here is the official lineup that will be taking on the Portuguese side in Lisbon.

In goal, Wojciech Szczesny comes in as the goalkeeper for Hansi Flick’s team in this game. With the German coach praising the veteran even ahead of the game, it is clear to see the amount of faith that the Barcelona manager has in the Polish shot-stopper.

Ahead of him, Pau Cubarsi and Ronald Araujo start as the two centre-backs for Barcelona. With Inigo Martinez injured, this partnership is one that Hansi Flick can rely on and can be expected to field for games even beyond just this one.

On their flanks, Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde take up the two fullback positions. They will be expected to help out their two central defenders while also ensuring that they provide width and creativity up front to help out the forwards as well.

The two defensive midfielders for this game will be Marc Casado and Gavi. Both of them possess the ability to open up opposition structures with their passing range and Hansi Flick will possibly be wanting them to do just that and showcase their qualities as well as their intensity.

Right in front of those two players, Flick has relied on three offensive players behind the centre-forward. Both Raphinha and Lamine Yamal reprise their roles in the wide positions, and they will be looking to thwart the opposition as much as possible. Right between them, however, will be Pedri as he looks to open up space for his forwards with his passing range and ability to control the tempo of the game.

Up top, Robert Lewandowski gets the nod from the Barcelona coach to be the primary goalscoring threat for the team. His killer instinct within the box will need to be on high-alert, however, as the team can no longer afford to miss their chances, especially in such a high-profile fixture.